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Violence On Television

Violence on Television


Since its introduction, television has increased in popularity to such
an extent that the TV has become the electronic member of the family. The TV
can hypnotize us and lure us into worlds of fantasy and adventure as we escape
from our worries and cares. It can also inform us and bring us up to date on
the latest news. The TV can be a teacher, a friend, and a source of knowledge
and information, or it can have a negative effect on our behavior. No matter
what effect television has on a person, it is often possible to know someone's
lifestyle by observing the way he watches TV.
When the television was first introduced, critics claimed that it would
be mind numbing, addictive, and utterly passive. These critics were describing
the stereotypical TV watcher, the Addict. As his name implies, this person's
life revolves around watching television. TV is like a drug to him, and he
cannot get enough of it. He epitomizes the couch potato and the "boob" in boob
tube, and can often be described as intellectually empty, especially while he is
watching TV. The Addict lives hand to mouth from the potato chip bag. He is
lazy and will often go for hours without moving from the television.
If the Addict is not glued in front of the TV, he is most likely to be
found paging through his latest issue of TV guide, carefully selecting the shows
which he will watch that week and marking them off with a highlighter. On an
average day the Addict will come home from work or school, put off all
responsibilities, and escape into the world of TV. In this world, the Addict
has no demands or responsibilities. The TV becomes his only focus of attention,
and all of his energy goes into staring at the TV. While watching one of his
favorite shows, the Addict becomes totally oblivious to the world around him.
He will not answer his phone, talk to his family or friends, or do anything else
which may distract from his viewing pleasure. He lives to watch TV....